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Can Larry Drew II build on it? That’s the pressing question for North Carolina and its sophomore playmaker.
After struggling much of the season, Drew came up bigger than his slender 6-foot-2 frame for the Tar Heels in their 77-63 win at N.C. State on Tuesday. His 18 points, seven assists and steady floor play (one turnover) set a backcourt theme that was instrumental in halting the team’s three-game losing streak.
“I had to play more aggressive,” Drew said. “Everybody on the team was telling me – plus my coaching staff, my family – ‘why don’t you attack more? Be aggressive. Once you’re aggressive, it will just open up things for everybody else.’ I just said, ‘Let’s go out here tonight and be aggressive – attack, attack, attack.’”
Drew’s attitude bled over to the bench, specifically to reserve guard Dexter Strickland, who erupted for 14 points on 6-for-7 shooting. In his previous two games, Strickland had missed eight of nine shots.
A lot has been expected from Drew and perhaps unreasonably.
Working behind Ty Lawson on last season’s NCAA championship, Drew played some but hardly enough to qualify as a truly experienced returnee. At last season’s Final Four, he talked openly and frequently about the pressure he likely would face in ‘09-’10.
“When my time comes, I’ll be ready,” he said.
Against the Wolfpack, Drew shot first and talked later.
